Snow melting and removal machine

ABSTRACT

A snow melting and removal machine includes a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier. A heating system is mounted upon the cart carrier. The heating system includes a torch assembly comprising torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow thereby melting same. A distribution assembly is provided for treatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a snow and/or ice removal machine. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a machine for meltingaccumulated snow and/or ice, and then treating the melted snow to ensurethat it does not refreeze.

2. Description of the Related Art

Snow removal, particularly in northern areas where snow accumulation isgreat, has been a problem from the standpoint of time, effort and cost.This is particularly true for the sidewalks and driveways of smallbusinesses and homes where it is difficult and cost prohibitive to uselarge snow removal equipment.

As a result, most homes and small business remove snow manually byshoveling or using motor driven snow blowers. Both of these methodsmerely redistribute the snow. The moved snow must then be cleared awayor melted, often by simply waiting for warmer weather. The use of snowmelting chemicals is time consuming, costly and often leaves residualdamage to the ground surface.

The prior art has recognized the above shortcomings and has developedvarious apparatuses for melting snow to facilitate removal thereof. U.S.Pat. No. 636,987 to Hendryx, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,174,477 and 3,291,118 toWilson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,137 to Lambertoni, and U.S. Pat. No.5,867,926 to Schmidt all show equipment for melting snow using a burnerfor generating hot air that is directed at the snow areas to be meltedusing a blower. U.S. Pat. No. 1,526,903 to Connolly, U.S. Pat. No.2,977,695 to Kesecker and U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,055 to Lazarecky relate tosnow removing equipment having a heated plow to facilitate rapid snowremoval. U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0194353 to Hoerle et al. showsa snow blower combined with a liquid or solid anti-icing material.

While efforts have been made in facilitating the removal of snow, it isclear an improved snow removal device is needed. The present inventionprovides such a snow removal device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a snow melting and removal machine.The machine includes a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrierincluding a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that auser holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier. Aheating system is mounted upon the cart carrier. The heating systemincludes a torch assembly comprising torches, wherein the torch assemblyis coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torchassembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact iceand snow thereby melting same. A distribution assembly is provided fortreatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice onthe cleared surfaces.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine whereinthe torch assembly includes a series of torches fueled by gas from thegas tank.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine whereinthe torch assembly includes a duct covering the torches for directingthe flames generated by the torches toward snow and/or ice in anefficient manner.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machinewherein the duct includes a hatch.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine whereinthe distribution assembly includes a container shaped and dimensionedfor storage of a large quantity of rock salt or other surface treatmentmaterial, the container including an outlet directly coupled to adispensing member for selective dispensing of rock salt or othertreatment materials onto the areas where the snow is melted to preventice build-up as a result of subsequent freezing.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine whereinthe controller includes a gas valve connected to a gauge.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machinewherein the torch assembly includes 2 to 4 torches.

It also an object of the present invention to provide a machine whereina mounting assembly supports the torches for pivotal movement.

It another object of the present invention to provide a machine whereinthe duct has an elongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end anda narrow back end that connects to the cart carrier.

It a further object of the present invention to provide a machinewherein the torches are positioned approximately 3 inches apart.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the snow melting and removal machine inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is schematic of the duct with a torch assembly therein.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing mounting of the torches withinthe duct.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merelyexemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the arthow to make and/or use the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present snow (and/or ice) melting andremoval machine 10 includes a cart carrier 12 movable by hand. A torchassembly 14 for melting snow is mounted upon the cart carrier 12. Apropane gas tank 16 feeds gas through a controller 18 to, for example, agas valve 50 connected to a gauge 52 of a splitter 54, to the torchassembly 14 to efficiently heat snow and ice. The machine 10 is furtherprovided with a rock salt (or other treatment material) distributionassembly 20 for treatment of the melted snow and ice to prevent theaccumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces. The present machine 10 ismobile, safe and easy to use for removal of accumulated snow fromsidewalks and driveways.

More particularly, and with reference to the various figures, a mobile,manually operated snow melting and removal machine 10 is disclosed. Thesnow melting and removal machine 10 includes a heating system 22 formelting snow and/or ice. The heating system 22 is mounted on the cartcarrier 12. The cart carrier 12 includes a support frame 24, front andback wheels 26, 28 and a handle 30 that a user holds to control thedirection and speed of the cart carrier 12 by manually pushing the same.Although a manually driven cart carrier 12, and ultimately snow meltingand removal machine 10, is disclosed in accordance with a preferredembodiment, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate thepresent machine 10 may be provide with a powered drive system well knownto those skilled in the art of lawn mowers and snow blowers.

The heating system 22 includes the torch assembly 14 for heating snowand/or ice sufficiently to melt snow and/or ice. In fact, the torchassembly 14 is oriented such that the flames issued therefrom directlycontact the snow and/or ice for direct heating thereof. The torchassembly 14 includes a series of torches 32 a-c each including adispening end 33 a-c. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, thereare 2 to 4 torches, and most preferably 3 torches. The torches 32 a-care supported by a mounting assembly 58 for positioning along the frontend of the present snow melting and removal machine 10 such that thedispensing ends 33 a-c of the respective torches 32 a-c are positionedadjacent the opened end 43 of the duct 40. In accordance with apreferred embodiment, the torches are moveably attached to the mountingassembly 58 and are fueled by propane gas from the propane gas tank 16,which is also supported upon the cart carrier 12. As will be discussedbelow in greater detail, the torches 32 a-c are positioned in a spacedrelationship along the forward edge 34 of the cart carrier 12. The gassupplied by the propane gas tank 16 is distributed by a gas line 36through a gas controller 18 to the series of torches 32 a-c.

Preferably, the propane gas tank 16 is a conventional design of the typethat is used for propane cooking grills and it can be purchased at avariety of market sites. As such, the propane gas tank 16 is selectivelysecured to the cart carrier 12 for easy removal and replacement as thepropane gas tank 16 is emptied and additional tanks are required.

With particular reference to the torch assembly 14, the torch assembly14 includes a duct 40 covering the torches 32 a-c for directing theflames generated by the torches 32 a-c toward, and into direct contactwith, the snow and/or ice in an efficient manner to thereby directlyheat the snow and/or ice and to protect the user from the flames of thetorches 32 a-c. The duct 40 is provided with a hatch providing readyaccess to the torches 32 a-c mounted therein. The duct 40 covering is anelongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end and a narrow backend that connects to the cart carrier 12. The duct 40 is shaped anddimensioned to cover the flame to, in effect, shield the user from theflame. The shape of the duct 40 includes a metal lip 41 which actuallyaids in the efficient melting of snow and ice.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the torchassembly 14 includes a mouting assembly 58 upon which three torches 32a-c are supported for directing flames toward the ice or snow. Themounting assembly includes a plurality of pivot bearing members 60 thatare fixedly secured to the duct 40 at transverse positions along thewidth of the duct 40. A pivot rod 62 extends transversly across the duct40 and is mounted to the pivot bearing members 60 for pivotal movementrelative thereto. Respective brackets 66 a-c secure the torches 32 a-cto the pivot rod 62 for permitting pivotal movement of the torches 32a-c allowing for adjustment of the angle at which the flames emit fromthe output ends 64 of the torches 32 a-c. Controlled movement of thepivot rod 62, and ultimately the torches 32 a-c, is achieved byproviding the pivot rod 62 with a control arm 668 that extends outbeyond the internal structure of the duct 40 for actuation by anoperator of the present machine 10.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 4,where a duct 40 having a transverse dimension of approximately 17.5inches is utilized, the torches 32 a-c will be positioned approximately3 inches apart with approximately 5.75 inches separating the first andthird torches 32 a, 32 c from the furthest lateral extents of the duct40. While dimensions are provided above in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated otherconfigurations could be employed without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetorch assembly 14 is ignited utilizing an electronic ignition or using aconventional pilot (not shown) located adjacent the output of thevarious torches making up the torch assembly 14. While a preferredignition technique is disclosed in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art willappreciate other ignition techniques may be employed without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention.

As briefly mentioned above, the present snow melting and removal machine10 also includes a salt (or other treatment material) distributionassembly 20. The distribution assembly 20 includes a salt container 44shaped and dimensioned for storage of a large quantity of rock salt orother surface treatment material. The salt container 44 includes anoutlet 46 directly coupled to a dispensing member 48. The dispensingmember 48 covers the outlet 46 of the salt container 44 for selectivedispensing of rock salt or other treatment materials onto the areaswhere the snow is melted to prevent ice build-up as a result ofsubsequent freezing. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the dispensing member 48 is a conventional dispensingstructure well known to those skilled in the art. In particular and inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedispenser is similar to fertilizer dispensers well known to thoseskilled in the art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the dispensing member 48 is driven by a chain drive56 coupled between the wheels 26 of the snow melting and removal machine10 and the dispensing member 48.

In use, the connections between the propane gas tank 16 and the torchassembly 14 are checked and the gas controller 18 is opened to allowpropane gas to feed to the torches 32. The pilot or electric ignitionignites the torches 32 that then directs heat, in particular, flamesgenerated by the torches 32, to the area directly in front of the cartcarrier 12 under the control of the hatch 38 and duct 40. After a fewminutes, the snow melting and removal machine is moved to the area wheresnow has accumulated for removal thereof and the heat of the flamesgenerated by the torches 32 is directed toward, and into direct contactwith, the snow and/or ice under the control of the hatch 38 and duct 40.The user moves the snow melting and removal machine 10 slowly across thesnow accumulation area under the control of the handle 30 and wheels 26,28. The heat generated by the flames of the torch assembly 14 melts thesnow and/or ice. The speed that the machine 10 is moved depends upon theamount of snow to be melted and the user can visually monitor this. Asthe machine is moved, the wheels actuate the salt dispensing member 48with the chain drive to spread a layer of salt or similar snow meltingchemicals on the surface just cleared to ensure ice is not built up bythe melting of the snow. After the snow accumulation area is melted, thegas controller 18 closes the gas line 36. Once the torches 32 areproperly extinguished, and after a few minutes of cooling, the snowmelting and removal machine may be stored in a convenient place forfuture use. The salt container 44 may be removed to a dry place so thesalt does not crystallize. The propane gas tank 16 is stored in an openarea to ensure any small leaks will be dissipated.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A snow melting and removal machine, consisting of: a cart carriermovable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front andback wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction andspeed of the cart carrier; a heating system mounted upon the cartcarrier, the heating system including a torch assembly comprising aplurality of torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gastank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, whereinflames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow therebymelting same; a distribution assembly for treatment of melted snow andice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces, thedistribution assembly includes a container shaped and dimensioned forstorage of a large quantity of rock salt or other surface treatmentmaterial, the container including an outlet directly coupled to adispensing member for selective dispensing of rock salt or othertreatment materials, wherein the distribution assembly is positionedrearwardly of the torch assembly to spread a layer of salt or othertreatment materials on previously melted areas to prevent ice build-upas a result of subsequent freezing.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The machineaccording to claim 2, wherein the torch assembly includes a ductcovering the torches for directing the flames generated by the torchestoward snow and/or ice in an efficient manner.
 4. The machine accordingto claim 3, wherein the duct includes a hatch.
 5. (canceled)
 6. Themachine according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes a gasvalve connected to a gauge.
 7. The machine according to claim 1, whereinthe torch assembly includes 2 to 4 torches.
 8. The machine according toclaim 1, wherein a mounting assembly supports the torches for pivotalmovement.
 9. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the duct has anelongated funnel-like shape having a wide opened end and a narrow backend that connects to the cart carrier.
 10. The machine according toclaim 1, wherein the torches are positioned approximately 3 inchesapart.